Race relations

Letters to the editor for July 29, 2013: Race in America; Zimmerman; GOP-Filner; air show; goodbye to food columnist

Race relations have come a long way

I read with interest the two columns July 19 on the role race plays in America (“Is our society truly color blind,” Op-Ed, 7/19) by Sara Clarke Kaplan and Ernie McCray.

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It was sad to see they have such a pessimistic view of American society on race relations, criminal justice, economic equality, etc.

When I debate these issues with friends who share the same pessimism, I will ask: Pretend you could press a button that would undo the beginning of the black experience in America — the slave trade would have never come to America. By pressing it you would reverse 250-plus years of slavery and its ugly aftermath. You would also sharply reduce the number of blacks in America today. Would you still press the button? My friends all decline.

So, yes, on some racial matters America still has a ways to go — but not nearly as far as we have come already.

John Harvey

San Diego

Race relations are not fine in U.S.

My thanks to President Obama on his statements Friday regarding the death of Trayvon Martin.

Race relations have always been bad in this nation. Some say that everything is fine now that we don’t have the government-mandated discrimination and segregation of only a few decades ago. As this case has shown us, things are not fine. It seems that only in America can a young black male be essentially convicted of his own murder.

Eric Parish

Vista

Criticism for assemblywoman

Regarding the July 19 article “Lawmaker wants Fla. boycotted over verdict,” boy, give someone an ounce of power and they think they should rule the world.

Does this person (Assemblywoman Shirley Weber) not believe in the judicial system? A jury rendered the verdict and that should be sufficient.

I don’t recall anyone getting up in arms over the verdict for O.J.’s murder trial. What is so special about this one that the federal government would want to get involved in, or even state government?

The suspect was tried and acquitted.

Eugene Newsome

Poway

Knock it off already on Zimmerman verdict

It’s about time everyone needs to shut up about the Zimmerman-Martin verdict. The jury decided, and it’s time to move on. I think some well known people are demonstrating just to further their own celebrity.

Ken Owens

Lakeside

GOP must be enjoying this

People across the nation are being made aware of what happens in cities like Detroit and San Diego when the Democrats and the unions are allowed to control the elections.

Christmas came early this year for the Republicans. It don’t get no better than this.

Phil Staton

Escondido

Wants to give Flner the boot

This is my house, Bob Filner, and I want you out of it NOW!

You’re stinking up the place; take your tongue, your abominable attitude and your smirky grin down to the Greyhound station, get on the next bus and don’t look back. I’ll buy your ticket.

Dori Peterson

San Diego

When the budget cuts hit home ...

For nearly five years, we’ve heard a constant drumbeat about how “government spending is out of control.” But when budget cuts actually affect San Diego, the U-T goes on the whine-path (“Marines save air show from Obama gambit,” July 24).

No air show? Boohoo. Your editorial is budgetary NIMBYISM at its worst.

Michael Fraser

San Diego

Miramar Air Show expensive but worth it

Regarding the Miramar Air Show question, the thought of the military making a profit is ludicrous. Estimating its cost to host it at $350,000 obviously doesn’t account for the cost of operations. Crews must spend hundreds of air hours preparing for the event, as well as hours at the event. Although precise figures are classified, V-22 Ospreys generally cost about $10,000 per hour to fly, F/A-18s about $18,000, and F-35s about $30,000. So, the real cost of the show is likely multiple millions, not a third of a million.

That being said, I think the air show is worth its cost because it informs the public of the capability of its military. Although air show performance standards are different from tactical standards, crews still receive good training. If the Miramar Air Show made a profit, we could cut the Marine budget, and hold air shows every week.

Lars K. Staack

Poway

A farewell to dining columnist Keli Dailey

I am chagrined to see that your dining columnist, Keli Dailey, is leaving (“Check please,” Night & Day, July 25).

I’ve been a fan from the get-go, with her spot-on and informative coverage of the enormous spectrum of dining opportunities in San Diego. Just look at her final column, with complete expertise from Coop’s Texas brisket to Farm House Cafe’s escargot risotto, all described perfectly, objectively and with great wit. No one else matched it.